Assorted Problems Keep Oklahoma`s Switzer Snowed Under

March 15, 1989|By Ed Sherman.

Barry Switzer just wanted to get away from it all and go skiing with his daughter. Instead, his personal dark cloud followed him to the slopes.

The beleaguered coach is recovering in a Colorado hospital this week after a skiing accident last Thursday. He needed surgery on his right knee, and reinjured his left knee, which was hurt when a player ran into him last fall.

Despite his troubles, Switzer still is vowing to be on hand when Oklahoma starts spring practice March 27. But if he`s there, he will be sitting in a golf cart.

Switzer must be wondering when his incredible string of bad luck is going to end.

``He made a statement recently that nothing else can happen to him,``

said Switzer`s secretary, Kay Day-Haslam. ``He`s in some pain, but otherwise, he`s in good spirits.``

The accident reportedly occurred when Switzer`s skis got tangled as he was coming off a chair lift.

Switzer is expected to return to Oklahoma later this week. Then he`ll continue preparations for spring practice.

That Switzer still has his job is remarkable, considering the turn of events since last December:

- The NCAA hits Oklahoma with a harsh penalty for recruiting violations. The Sooners are banned from television next year and can`t play in a bowl for two years.

- On Jan. 13, cornerback Jerry Parks shoots offensive lineman Zarak Peters in the chest after an argument. Peters is expected to make a full recovery. Parks faces a hearing on charges of shooting with intent to injure. - On Feb. 10, running back Glen Bell, offensive tackle Nigel Clay and tight end Bernard Hall are arraigned for allegedly gang-raping a woman in the Bud Wilkinson Dorm.

- On Feb. 13, starting quarterback Charles Thompson is arrested and charged with selling 17 grams of cocaine for $1,400 to an undercover agent. If convicted, Thompson could receive a maximum 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.